JPH06141306A - Video telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a handy video telephone set by which transmission reception of a video signal and a voice signal are attained while supporting a case by one hand. CONSTITUTION:A speaker section 6 is provided to an upper end in front of a longitudinally long case 2 with thin profile and a microphone section 16 is provided to a lower end. Furthermore, a display section 11 and an operation section 14 are provided between them. The camera section 3 is fitted to the case 2 while its angle is able to be changed. The speaker section 6 is removable. When the speaker is removed, an earphone is made available. Thus, the transmission reception of the video signal and the voice signal is implemented without giving hindrance to the behavior of the user. Versatile talking attitude in matching with the content of the information to be communicated is taken.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a videophone device capable of transmitting and receiving video and audio while holding a housing with one hand.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional hand-held type video telephone device, as disclosed in Design Registration No. 774750, a thin main body has a display section above the front, an operation section at the center, and a speaker section at the bottom. Placed video phones have been proposed.

[0003]

According to the above-mentioned conventional example,
Since the display unit and the speaker unit are provided, it is possible to receive the reception from the other party by the image and the sound. However, this is mainly based on images, and transmission / reception of only voice is not considered, especially when it is not desired to let the surrounding people hear the voice of the other party.
Further, in this conventional example, the main body cannot be made to stand by itself in a state where the display portion is at an angle that is easy to see, and no consideration is given to using the main body on a table surface. In addition, since the display section, operation section, and speaker section are always exposed, there is no impact from the outside.
Measures against dust and malfunctions are not considered.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object thereof is to provide a videophone device capable of transmitting and receiving video and audio while holding the housing with one hand. is there.

A second object of the present invention is to hold a housing with one hand and take both a voice call posture corresponding to voice and a video call posture corresponding to video and voice in any posture. Another object of the present invention is to provide a videophone device capable of excellent transmission and reception.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a television capable of excellent transmission / reception in any of the postures of holding a casing with one hand and a posture of talking on a table. To provide a telephone device.

A fourth object of the present invention is that it is possible to perform transmission and reception of video and audio while holding the housing with one hand, and at the time of storage, the operation unit and the display unit are concealed so that storage is excellent. It is to provide a compact videophone device.

[0008]

The present invention has been made to achieve the above object, and in one aspect thereof, a signal processing means for performing communication by voice and / or an image, and outputting a voice. Speaker unit for inputting, a microphone unit for inputting voice, a display unit for outputting an image, a camera unit for inputting an image, and an operation for inputting an operation command to the signal processing means. In a videophone device including a display section and the display section,
A videophone is provided, which is arranged between the speaker unit and the microphone unit.

In this case, the relative positional relationship between the speaker section and the microphone section is such that the microphone section is located close to the mouth when the speaker section is applied to a human ear. Is preferred. Also, the display section, the display
It is preferable that the housing section and the microphone section are arranged in the same housing.

As another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a videophone device characterized by having a speaker holding means for holding the speaker portion in a detachable state.

As another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first housing containing a microphone portion, a second housing containing a speaker portion, the first housing and the second housing. It is possible to provide a videophone device having a connecting means for connecting the body and the body.

A camera unit holding means for holding the camera unit may be provided adjacent to the first casing. Further, the camera holding means may hold the camera unit at a connecting portion between the first casing and the second casing. In this case, when the angle formed by the first casing and the second casing at the connecting portion is θ, the camera holding means changes the direction of the optical axis of the camera unit by an angle of θ / 2. It is preferable to include an angle maintaining means that points in the direction of.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first housing containing a microphone portion, a second housing containing a speaker portion, and a third housing containing a display portion. First housing and third
There is provided a videophone device having a first connecting means for connecting the housing and the second connecting means for connecting the second housing and the third housing.

[0014]

When the speaker portion, the microphone portion, and the speaker portion are applied to the human ear, the microphone portion is arranged so as to be close to the mouth. The display unit is arranged between the speaker unit and the microphone unit.

In this case, the main body for storing them may be composed of one housing or a plurality of housings. In this case, if each housing is connected by a hinge so that the angle of each housing can be changed, it is possible to take various attitudes such as a storage attitude and a video call attitude depending on the situation.

Since the housing is provided with a movable camera section, it is possible to transmit and receive video and audio while holding the housing with one hand. By providing the hood, it is possible to prevent the influence of external light reflected on the display unit. Also,
The speaker portion is held in a detachable state, and can be used in either the attached state or the detached state.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a handy videophone device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of a handy videophone device according to the present invention.

The outline of the external structure of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The handy videophone device 1 includes a thin, flat and vertically long main body 2, a camera unit 3 rotatably attached to the right side surface of the main body 2, and an ear foldably attached to an upper front portion of the main body 2. The pad section 4, the speaker section 6 arranged in the center of the ear pad section 4, and the main body 2
Antenna unit 21 attached to the right side of the upper surface of the main body 2
It is mainly composed of a battery 9 which is detachably attached to the lower part of the back surface of the. Further, a grip portion 35 is formed from the back surface to both side surfaces of the handy videophone device 1.

On the front surface of the main body 2, the ear pad portion 4 described above is provided.
Besides, a display unit 11, a transmission / reception key 12, an end key 13, an operation unit 14, a function key 15, and a microphone unit 16 are arranged in order from the top.

The general arrangement of the functional units inside the apparatus will be described.

FIG. 3 is a developed view of the functional unit, and FIG. 4 is a schematic layout diagram of the functional unit. This handy videophone device 1
A main substrate 17 including a processing unit and a memory, a communication device 18 having a wireless / image codec, a cord reel unit 19, a speaker unit 6, and a liquid crystal display unit 11
The operation board 20, the microphone unit 16, and the battery 9
The antenna unit 21 and the camera unit 3 are provided.

The main board 17 is disposed on the upper rear side inside the main body 2. The communication device 18 and the display unit 11 are arranged on the front side thereof. An operation board 20 is arranged below the display section 11, and a microphone section 16 is arranged below the operation board 20.

The battery 9 is located below the main board 17 and is detachably attached to the rear cover 8.

The antenna section 21 is arranged diagonally above and to the right of the communication device 18. This antenna portion 21 is a mounting base 21a formed on the upper right side of the front cover 7 (see FIG. 1).
Attached to.

The camera section 3 is arranged on the right side of the main board 17 and the communication device 18, and below the antenna section 21. The camera unit 3 is rotatably attached at the outer right position of the front cover 7.

The cord reel portion 19 is for winding up the connection cord 5 for transmitting a signal to the speaker portion 6. The cord reel portion 19 is arranged in the ear pad portion 4 in a semi-embedded state. Then, the speaker unit 6
Is detachably held on the rotation shaft of the cord reel portion 19.

Next, the structure of each part will be described in detail.

The appearance of the main body 2 is as follows: a front cover 7 and a rear cover 8.
Most of the above-mentioned parts are composed of both covers.
It is stored between. The front cover 7 and the rear cover 8 are connected to each other through a rubber packing so as to have a suitable structure. In addition, a concave storage portion 10 for storing the ear pad 4 is provided on the upper front surface of the front cover 7 (see FIG. 7).

The ear pad portion 4 has a convex portion 26a formed at the center of the lower end thereof rotatably connected to a receiving portion 26b formed on the front cover 7. As a result, the ear pad 4 is configured to be openable and closable with its lower end portion (correctly, the shaft 26c in FIG. 5) as a fulcrum. When the ear pad portion 4 is closed, the back surface portion of the ear pad portion 4 is the concave storage portion 10 described above.
It is housed in and has a sense of unity with the main body 2. On the other hand, if the ear pad 4 is opened, the ear pad 4
It can be used as a hood for avoiding external light incident on the display section 11 provided below (see FIG. 5).

On the front surface of the ear pad portion 4, a recess 27 having a rotating shaft 28 at the center is formed. The cord reel portion 19 is fitted in the concave portion 27 and is held in a rotatable state around the rotation shaft 28. The front surface side of the cord reel portion 19 is exposed to the outside, and if the exposed portion 29 is manually rotated, the cord winding portion 19 is exposed.
The code can be wound around a. In addition, the exposed portion 2
9 has a mortar shape, and a recessed portion (hereinafter, the recessed portion is referred to as a "speaker mounting portion 30") in which the speaker portion 6 can be detachably accommodated is formed in the center thereof. The depth of the speaker attachment portion 30 is shallower than the thickness of the speaker portion 6. This is because even when the speaker portion 6 is housed, the speaker mounting portion 30 is partly projected so that the speaker mounting portion 30 can be easily attached and detached. The ear pad 4 is configured to be openable and closable so that the ear pad portion 4 functions as a hood. Therefore, if the use as such a hood is not taken into consideration, the ear pad 4, that is, the speaker portion 6 is arranged directly on the upper front surface of the main body 2.

Further, the speaker mounting portion 30 is provided with a contact 30a which is connected when the speaker portion 6 is mounted. Whether the speaker unit 6 is used while being housed in the ear pad 4 or being detached and used as an earphone is detected by a signal obtained through the contact 30a. Therefore, the volume is automatically adjusted to an appropriate volume according to the usage state. Alternatively, the signal for use as a speaker may be separately input to the speaker unit 6 through the contact 30a, while the signal for use as an earphone may be separately input through the cord 5. However, in this case, it is necessary to provide a terminal for connecting to the contact 30a also on the side of the speaker portion 6. In this way, according to the present embodiment, the volume of the speaker unit 6 is changed according to the usage state of the speaker unit 6.
It is configured to automatically change the sound quality.

The connection cord 5 of the speaker portion 6 is connected to the cord winding portion 1 of the cord reel portion 19 via the outlet 31.
It is stored in 9a. The take-out port 31 is formed by cutting out a part of the edge of the recess 27.

To pull out the speaker section 6, first, the speaker section 6 is pinched and removed from the speaker mounting section 30. When the speaker portion 6 is pulled as it is, the cord reel portion 19 rotates and the connecting cord 5 is pulled out from the cord winding portion 19a. To store, the exposed portion 29 is rotated in the winding direction by hand, and the connecting cord 5 is moved to the cord winding portion 19.
Take up on a. Then, finally, the speaker unit 6 is attached to the speaker mounting unit 30. In this embodiment, the code 5
A part of the cord reel portion 19 is exposed from the ear pad portion 4 in order to manually wind the cord reel portion. However, for example, if an automatic winding mechanism including a torsion spring is provided, the entire cord reel portion 19 is provided. May be incorporated in the ear pad portion 4 or the main body 2.

The camera section 3 has an automatic focusing function and an angle of view adjusting function (enlargement, telephoto). The camera section 3 is connected to a rotary shaft 32 provided on the right side surface of the display section 11 and substantially perpendicular to the side surface, and one end thereof. As a result, the camera unit 3 is rotatable in the front-rear direction with respect to the main body 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the rotatable angle of the camera unit 3 is in the range of 120 ° forward to 120 ° rearward. Further, the rotary shaft 32 is provided with radial ribs (not shown) at, for example, a 5 ° step, so that the camera unit 3 can be fixed at an arbitrary angle (although it is stepwise). Further, the viewpoints of the display unit 11 and the camera unit 3 are made to coincide with each other as much as possible. This means that if the camera unit does not shoot the caller from the front, the caller who is (photographed) does not face the front on the image displayed on the other party's videophone. This is because it gives a natural feeling.

The lens section 24 provided at the tip of the camera section 3 is slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the main body of the camera section 3. On the other hand, at the lower end of the mount 21a of the antenna unit 21, the recess 2 that can be fitted to the tip of the lens unit 24 is provided.
5 are provided. With the longitudinal direction of the camera section 3 coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the telephone device 1 (that is, the state of FIG. 6), if the lens section 24 is pulled out and engaged with the recess 25, the camera section 3 Can be fixed and put in a stored state. In this stored state, the lens portion 24 can be protected from water droplets and dust (see FIG. 6).

A pause button 3 is provided at the rear end of the camera section 3.
7 is provided. When the pause button 37 is operated during a call using the videophone function, shooting by the camera unit 3 (or transmission of the image being shot) is temporarily stopped. This function can be applied to, for example, the camera unit 37 during a call.
If it is used to rotate, the unsightly image captured during the rotation can be cut.

Semi-transparent plate 22 covering the display section 11
(See FIG. 1) is for protecting the display unit 11 and the like. The translucent plate 22 is provided flush with the front cover 7.

The operation unit 14 is composed of a liquid crystal panel equipped with a touch panel, and a ten-key pad and various operation keys are displayed in a rectangular section and can be input by touching an operation key at a designated portion with a finger. .

The function key 15 includes a button 15a for switching between a videophone function and a voicephone function, and an operating section 14.
Screen switching button 15b and screen scroll buttons 15c and 15d of the operation unit 14.

The grip 35 (see FIG. 2) is formed not only by the back surface of the main body 2 but also by the battery 9. Since the grip portion 35 is chamfered at both corners on the lower side (the portion that has been subjected to the treatment is denoted by reference numeral 35a in the figure), it fits in the hand and the handy type videophone device 1 can be used with one hand. Can be firmly held.

The power switch 33 provided on the left side surface of the main body 2 is for putting the handy videophone apparatus 1 in a standby state. It goes without saying that an incoming call can be accepted even in this standby state. In the present embodiment, the power switch 33 is normally arranged on the left side on the assumption that the device is held by the left hand.
It goes without saying that there is no problem even if the user holds and uses the handy videophone device 1 with his / her right hand.

The battery 9 can be removed by sliding it in the direction of the thick arrow in FIG. In addition, an uneven portion 34 is formed on the surface of the battery 9 to enhance the operability at the time of attachment / detachment. The lock release switch 36 for the battery 9 is provided above the battery 9 on the back surface of the main body 2. The charging terminal 23 provided on the bottom surface of the main body 2 is connected to a terminal of a separate charger when the battery 9 is charged.

The size of the handy videophone device 1 is
As shown in FIG. 8, the height h2 of the main body 2 is 164 mm, the width W1 is 64 mm, the thickness D1 is 29 mm, and the antenna unit 2 is
The height h3 including 1 is 205 mm, the distance h1 between the speaker unit 6 and the microphone unit 16 is 130 mm, and the length h of the camera unit 3 is h.
4 is 59 mm and the width W2 including the antenna part 21 is 80
mm, the thickness D2 including the ear pad 4 is 35 mm, and the thickness D3 of the lower end of the main body 1 is 30 mm. The camera unit 3 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 15 mm.
In this embodiment, the speaker section 6 and the microphone section 16 are provided so as to project from the arrangement surface of the operation section 14. However, it can be said that the speaker portion 6 and the microphone portion 16 are practically provided on substantially the same surface of the main body 2.

These sizes and shapes such as the size of the main body (h2, W1, D1) and the distance (h1) between the speaker section 6 and the microphone section 16 include the functions required for the apparatus. It is determined in consideration of ease of holding when held by hand, operability, etc.
For example, the distance h1 is determined as the distance at which the microphone unit 16 is located close to the mouth when the speaker unit 6 is applied to the ear (while being attached to the ear pad 4). Therefore, the size is not limited to this,
Also, a minute difference in the concrete value does not matter.

Next, the usage method will be described.

In this embodiment, it is possible to take two communication postures, that is, a video communication posture corresponding to the videophone function (video and voice) and a voice communication posture suitable for the voice telephone function (sound only). Note that, due to the presence of the grip portion 35, the handy videophone device 1 can be firmly held with one hand in any communication posture.

First, the power switch 33 provided on the left side surface of the main body 2 is operated to enter the standby state. In this state, it can be received from the other party. Here, since the power switch 33 is arranged in the vicinity of the thumb of the left hand to be held, the power switch 33 can be operated while being held by the left hand without being particularly changed. When received, a ring tone is emitted from the speaker unit 6 and can be received by pressing the send / receive key 12. In this case, the processing unit determines the signal of the communication device 18 to determine whether or not the voice-only call is made, and displays the fact on the display unit 11. When the call ends, the end key 13 is pressed to put the call back in the standby state.

When used as a videophone, hold the grip portion 35 with the left hand and operate with the right hand. For example, in order to transmit by the videophone function from the standby state, the lens unit 24 of the camera unit 3 is slid downward with the right hand to remove the connection with the recess 25. Then, the camera unit 3 is rotated to a desired angle (see FIG. 7). Then, send / receive key 12
Is operated to turn on the display unit 11 and the operation unit 14. Also, the videophone function is selected by the switching button 15a. Then, the ten key displayed on the operation unit 14 is operated to input the destination telephone number. Since the input destination telephone number is displayed on the display unit 11, the user confirms this and finally operates the transmission / reception key 12. As a result, the call is sent to the other party of the telephone number.

In this embodiment, the screen switch button 15b can be operated to display the telephone directory list on the operation unit 14. Further, the display of the telephone length list can be scrolled by operating the screen scroll buttons 15c and 15d. Therefore, it is possible to store a large number of telephone numbers in the device and select a destination telephone number from among them to transmit.

After the telephone is connected, the display unit 1
Talk while watching 1. In this case, the camera unit 24
Since it can be rotated by 0 °, it is possible to perform not only communication by photographing one's face but also communication while photographing a third party or a landscape. Further, when making a call outdoors or when the lighting is reflected in the display section 11, the ear pad section 4 is raised so that the ear pad section 4 blocks the external light entering the display section 11 for easy viewing (FIG. 7). reference). Further, when it is desired not to let the surrounding people hear the content of the talk, the speaker unit 6 may be pulled out and used as an earphone (see FIG. 7). At this time, as described above, depending on whether the speaker unit 6 is used while being housed in the ear pad 4 or being detached and used as an earphone, the volume is automatically adjusted to an appropriate volume according to the use state. .

After the end of the call, by pressing the end key 13, the standby state can be resumed.

Next, the use as a normal voice-only telephone will be described.

The basic operation of making a call using the voice telephone function is almost the same as that of using it as a videophone.

Hold the grip portion 35 with the left hand and operate with the right hand. In order to transmit by the normal telephone function of only voice from the standby state, the transmission / reception key 12 is operated and the display unit 11 and the operation unit 14 are turned on. Also, the voice button function is selected by the switching button 15a. Then, the ten key displayed on the operation unit 14 is operated to input the destination telephone number. Since the input destination telephone number is displayed on the display unit 11, the user confirms this and finally operates the transmission / reception key 12. As a result, the call is sent to the other party of the telephone number. After this operation, the ear pad 4 is brought into contact with the ear of the caller, and the microphone 16 is talked with the other party in a communication posture like a normal handset that holds the microphone 16 close to the mouth of the user.

Even when used as a videophone,
You can talk in the same posture as when talking with voice only. In this case, the display unit 11 and the camera unit 3 cannot be used, but the display unit 11 and the camera unit 3 are effective in a conversation that the surrounding people do not want to hear or a noise generated when a car passes during a call.

The operation unit 14 may be a normal button type or a sheet-like ten key.

Further, the ear pad section 4 and the camera section 3 may have their movements interlocked with each other. Further, both may be integrally provided in either one.

In this embodiment, the camera unit 3 is attached to the side of the display unit 11, but it may be provided so that the viewpoints of the display unit 11 and the camera unit 3 match. For example,
The camera unit 3 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the camera unit 3 contacts the upper surface of the main body 2. The rotation axis of the camera unit 3 may be provided at the center of the upper surface of the main body 2. in this case,
The camera part 3 and the main body 2 may have the same width.

In this embodiment, the antenna 21 is provided so as to project from the main body 2. However, if the amount of projection from the main body 2 is made small by integrating the antenna 21 with the camera section 3, the storability is improved.

The camera section 3 may be detachable from the main body 2. In this case, if the connection cord is connected via the hinge portion 32 so that it can be pulled out, the connection cord is concealed at the time of mounting, which is a good design.

As described above, in the handy videophone device according to the present invention, the thin body 2 is formed with the grip portion 35 for holding with one hand, and the photographing angle is changed on the body 2. By providing the camera unit 3 that can be used, it is possible to transmit and receive video and audio while holding the main body 2 with one hand. Further, by causing the ear pad portion 4 provided on the upper portion of the display unit 11, the influence of external light reflected on the display unit 11 can be prevented.

Further, the speaker section 6 is provided on one end side of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction, and the microphone section 16 is provided on the other end side thereof.
By providing the display 11 and the operation unit 14 between the microphone unit 16 and the microphone unit 16, it is possible to select one of the video call posture and the voice call posture. Further, since the whole can be held and used with one hand, it is excellent in operability. Also,
Since the entire device is integrated, it is also excellent in portability and storability in a bag or the like. Furthermore, since the speaker unit 6 can be pulled out and used as an earphone,
This is effective when a secret conversation or the voice of the other party is difficult to hear. In addition, since the handy videophone device 1 has a drip-proof structure at various places, it is effective when used outdoors.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a video call posture, FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an operating state, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a stored state, and FIG.
2 is a perspective view of another video call posture and the like. The parts shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 and the same parts as the arrows are indicated by the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment, the main body is divided into a plurality of devices,
The feature is that each device is connected by a hinge part. As a result, in addition to the communication posture in which the main body is held by one hand, the installation conversation posture in which the main body is installed on the table surface can be taken. Furthermore, the storability can be improved.

Handy videophone device 1 of the present embodiment
As shown in FIG. 9, a thin and flat body 38, a camera portion 3 rotatably attached to the side surface of the body 38 via a hinge portion 32, an antenna portion 21 attached to the upper surface of the body 38, A battery 9 (not shown) is detachably attached to the center of the back surface of the main body 38.

The main body 38 is composed of a first device 39, a second device 41, and a third device 43. Note that the case of the second device 41 corresponds to the “first case” referred to in claim 15. Further, the case of the third device 43 corresponds to the “second case”. Further, the case of the first device 39 corresponds to the “third case”.

On the front surface of the first device 39, the functional layout surface 39 is provided.
a is formed, and the display unit 1 is provided on the function disposition surface 39a.
1, a transmission / reception key 12 and an end key 13 are arranged.
The first device 39 has a main board 17 (not shown).
, And a battery 9 (not shown) is detachably attached to the rear part. The rear portion of the first device 39 and the battery 9 form a grip portion 35 for holding the handheld videophone device 1 with one hand. A power switch 33 (not shown) is provided on the left side surface of the first device 39.

The second device 41 is foldably attached to the lower end of the first device 39 via a hinge portion 40 (note that the hinge portion 40 is referred to in claim 15 as "first"). Is a connecting means ".). A function placement surface 41a is formed on the second device 41, and the microphone section 1 is provided on the end of the function placement surface 41a facing the hinge section 40.
6 is provided. Further, the operation section 14 is arranged at a position between the microphone section 16 and the hinge section 40. The function arranging surface 41a and the function arranging surface 39a have almost the same size, and when the second device 41 is folded into the first device 39, the function arranging surface 41a is the same as the function arranging surface 39a. Hide.

The third device 43 is arranged above the first device 39. The connection between the two is made by connecting the lower end of the third device 43 and the upper end of the first device 39 in a rotatable state by the hinge 42 (note that the hinge 42 is It is the "second connecting means" referred to in claim 15. The third device 43 contains a communication device 18 (not shown). Further, a speaker unit 44 is arranged at the center of the function disposition surface 43a formed on the front surface thereof.

Ear pad portions 46a and 46b made of a soft material are attached to the left and right sides of the function disposing surface 43a via hinge portions 45a and 45b so as to be openable and closable.
When the ear pad portions 46a and 46b are closed, the ear pad portions 46a and 46b hide the function disposition surface 43a. It should be noted that the ear pad portions 46 a and 46 b are provided with a recess 48 having a sound escape hole 47.

The lower end of the camera section 3 is rotatably attached to the rotary shaft 32 arranged at the axial position of the hinge section 42. In this case, the camera unit 3 can be moved independently of the third device 43. In addition, the rotatable angular range of the camera unit 3 is 240 ° (from the front side 120 ° to 120 ° with reference to the angular position parallel to the surface of the third device 43).
The rear side is 120 °). The camera unit 3 is
The device has a lock mechanism for preventing the angle from changing carelessly at an angle position parallel to the plane of the device. Further, ribs and the like are provided, and the point that they can be set at an arbitrary angle is the same as in the first embodiment.

Although the specific size of the entire apparatus and each part are not shown here, the size and shape of the entire apparatus,
The distance between the speaker and the microphone, and the size and shape of the other parts are basically determined from the same viewpoint as in the first embodiment. The same applies to other embodiments described below.

The operating state will be described with reference to FIG. 10A is a partial front view, and FIG. 10B is a right side view.

Handy-type videophone device 1 of this embodiment
Can be roughly divided into three forms (a storage posture, a voice conversation posture, and a video conversation posture).

The storage posture is shown by the solid line in FIG. 10 and FIG.

In the storage posture, the second device 41 is folded up to the angle at which it contacts the first device 39. At this time, the function arranging surface 41a covers the function arranging surface 39a to protect the function parts arranged on the function arranging surfaces 39a and 41a. Also, the entire length can be shortened and stored by the amount of folding the second device 41.

The ear pad portion 46 is also included in the third device 43.
The speaker portion 44 is covered by closing a and 46b. In this case, the ear pad portions 46a and 46b hit the second device 41 in the folded state, and the rotation of the third device 43 is restricted. As a result, the storage posture can be maintained. Since the camera unit 3 is also fixed at the angle shown in FIG. 11, it is less likely to get in the way.

As described above, in the storage position, the entire handy type videophone device 1 can be folded compactly to have a thin and flat shape with less unevenness. Therefore, it is effective when carrying it and when storing it in the bag.

Next, the voice communication posture will be described.

In this posture, the second device 41 is held at an angular position of 120 ° with respect to the first device 39 (FIG. 10).
The second device 41 shown by the dotted line in (b) corresponds to this state). On the other hand, the third device 43 is in a state parallel to the first device 39 (the third device 43 shown by the solid line in FIG. 10B corresponds to this state).

In this posture, the rear portion of the first device 39 can be firmly gripped by one hand as the grip portion 35. Further, the speaker unit 44 and the microphone unit 16 can be located at positions that match the user's ears and mouth, respectively.

Next, the video call attitude will be described.

There are two types of video call attitudes.

One is a state in which the third device 43 is tilted forward by 90 ° from the above-described voice communication posture (see FIG. 12). In this posture, the third device 43 functions as a hood, which is effective in blocking the external light from above reflected on the display unit 11.

Second, from the state of FIG. 12,
The ear pad portions 46a and 46b are in a state of being opened 90 ° (see FIG. 9). In this state, both the left and right sides can be covered if only the upper side of the display unit 11 is covered, which is particularly effective when used outdoors. Further, the sound emitted by the speaker unit 44 is shielded and reflected by the ear pad units 45a and 45b and the first device 39, and the directivity is enhanced. As a result, there is a great advantage that the voice can be easily heard by the caller and is hard for the surrounding people to hear.

Further, in the video call posture (FIGS. 9 and 12), the center of gravity of the entire handy type videophone device 1 is moved forward by tilting the third device 43 forward,
With the second device 41 as a leg portion, the handheld videophone device 1 can be made to stand on a table surface or the like. Therefore, the posture can also be referred to as the "installed call posture".

Although the videophone function can be used even in the voice call posture, the video call postures shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 described above are effective for improving the visibility of the display unit 11. .

The third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
Will be explained.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a used state, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a stored state, FIG. 15 is a schematic structural view of a hinge portion, and FIG.
[Fig. 6] is an operation explanatory view of the camera unit. Note that FIG. 1 to FIG.
Portions shown in (1), portions that are the same as the arrows, etc. are indicated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, the main body is divided into two devices,
It is characterized in that both are foldably connected by two hinge portions and a camera portion is provided in the hinge portion to improve portability and operability.

The handy type video telephone device 1 includes a first device 49, a second device 50, and a hinge portion 51 for connecting the first device 49 and the second device 50 in a foldable manner.
Camera unit 6 rotatably attached to the hinge unit 51
1 and an antenna 21 attached to the first device. The hinge portion 51 corresponds to the "connecting means" referred to in claim 7.

The first device 49 has a built-in communication device 18 (not shown) and a removable battery 9 on the back surface.
(Not shown). On the function disposition surface 49a formed on the front surface thereof, the speaker section 52 is provided on the upper side, and the display section 11 and the transmission / reception key 12 are provided on the lower side thereof.
And an end key 13 are arranged.

The second device 50 incorporates a main board 17 (not shown). The function placement surface 50a formed on the front surface of the microphone section 1 is located near the end opposite to the hinge section 51.
6 are arranged. In addition, the microphone unit 16 and the hinge unit 51
The operation unit 14 is arranged between the and.

The first device 49 and the second device 50 have a thin and flat shape. Further, the function arranging surface 49a and the function arranging surface 50a have substantially the same shape and size, and are folded so that the both function arranging surfaces are in contact with each other, and the entire device is in a thin and flat state. (See FIG. 14).

The camera section 61 is attached to the connecting section by the hinge section 51 (note: more accurately, the position between the left and right hinge sections 51) and is used for opening and closing the first device 49 and the second device 50. They rotate in conjunction with each other and their orientation changes. The structure will be described with reference to FIGS.

The camera section 61 has an optical axis X which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the camera section 61.

Support 54 formed on the first device 49
a and 54b are supporting portions 53 formed on the second device 50.
The first device 49 and the second device 50 are rotatably connected to each other by being fitted to the rotating shaft 56 provided on the support portions 53a and 53b, which are located inside the a and 53b.

A rotary shaft 57 is formed at the longitudinal end of the camera unit 61 and is rotatably attached to the support units 54a and 54b. A torsion spring 55a is arranged between the support portion 54a and the camera portion 61. The torsion spring 55a has one end attached to the camera section 61 and the other end attached to the support section 54a. Also, the support portions 53b and 5
A torsion spring 55b is arranged between 4b. One end of the torsion spring 55b is attached to the support portion 53a. Further, the other end is attached to the camera unit 61 over the support portion 54b. The torsion spring 55a and the torsion spring 55b are balanced.

The movement during use will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 16 shows a side view of the usage state. When the first device 49 and the second device 50 are opened, the angular position of the camera unit 61 changes due to the stress of the torsion springs 55a and 55b. In this case, since the torsion springs 55a and 55b are balanced, the camera unit 61 is always in the first device 49.
And the second device 50 operate so as to position the optical axis X at the central angular position of the angle θ. That is, since the camera unit 61 operates according to the angle θ of the device, it is easy to keep the face of the caller caught (Note: when the caller looks at the display 11, the face of the caller is θ / 2
This is because it is often located in the direction of. ). The arrangement / angle maintaining structure of the camera as in this embodiment can be applied to other embodiments.

Further, since the intersection point P between the optical axis Y of the display unit 11 and the camera unit X can be adjusted in accordance with the rotation angle θ, the position of the caller who has good visibility and good image quality can be easily adjusted. be able to.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the visibility of the display section 11 and the photographing of the camera section 61 can be easily adjusted. In the stored state, the device is thin and flat, and the storage and portability of the entire device are good. In addition, the microphone portion 16 and the speaker portion 52 are firmly held with one hand in either posture, that is, a voice call posture in which the microphone portion 16 and the speaker portion 52 are close to the ear and mouth of the caller and a video call posture in which the display portion 11 is directed to the caller. can do. Further, it is possible to reduce the trouble of adjusting the angle of the camera.

The fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 17 to 20.
Will be explained. 17 is a perspective view of a voice communication posture, FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a storage posture, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a voice / video communication posture, and FIG. 20 is a side view showing a schematic structure. In addition,
Portions and arrows shown in FIGS. 1 to 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the main body is divided into a device having a speaker portion and a device having a microphone portion, and the device is foldably connected by a hinge portion, and the camera portion is a device on the microphone side. By providing it at the tip, it takes a posture corresponding to both audio and video.

In FIGS. 17 and 18, the handy type video telephone apparatus 1 is a thin and flat first device 58, a thin and flat second device 59, a first device 58 and a second device. 5
A hinge portion 40 that foldably connects 9 to each other, a camera portion 61 that is rotatably attached to the first device 58 via the hinge portion 60, and an antenna 21 that is attached to the second device 59. To be done.

The first device 58 contains the main board 17 (not shown). The microphone section 16 is arranged near the end opposite to the hinge section 40 on the function disposition surface 58a formed on the front surface thereof. A display unit 11, a transmission / reception key 12 and an end key 13 are arranged between the microphone unit 16 and the hinge unit 40. The first
The device 58 and the hinge portion 40 are not fixedly connected to each other but via the connecting portion 62 of the hinge portion 40. This point will be described later in detail.

The second device 59 has a communication device 18 inside.
(Not shown), and a battery 9 (not shown) detachably mounted on the back surface. A function arranging surface 59a is formed on the front surface, and a speaker section 52 is arranged on the function arranging surface 59a near the end opposite to the hinge section 40. Further, the operation unit 14 is arranged between the speaker unit 52 and the hinge unit 40.

The camera section 61 has an optical axis X perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. In addition, the camera unit 61 has the hinge unit 6 at the end of the first device 58 facing the hinge unit 40.
The camera unit 61 can be rotated so as to cause the camera unit 61 in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. The length of the camera section 61 in the longitudinal direction is the same as the lateral width of the first device 58.

Structure of hinge part 40 and first device 58
The connection with and will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. The hinge portion 40 corresponds to the "connecting means" referred to in claim 7.

The hinge section 40 has a movable end including a lower end of the second device 59 and a connecting portion 62. The connecting portion 62 is provided with a connecting plate 64, and the connection with the first device 58 is performed via the connecting plate 64. That is, the first device 58 is provided with the insertion hole portion therein, and the connecting plate 6 is inserted in the insertion hole portion.
Both are connected by inserting 4. Further, the connection is not fixed, and the connection plate 64 is
The insertion hole is kept slidable. Therefore, the first device 58 is movable in the direction of the connecting plate 64. Further, a connecting cord that connects the first device 58 and the second device 59 is passed through the inside of the connecting plate 64.

A mode for each usage situation of this embodiment will be described.

The state in which the first device 58 is folded so as to be stacked on the second device 59 is the storage form (see FIG. 18). In this storage form, the function placement surface 59a is covered by the first device 58 and the camera unit 61, and the function placement surface 59a, the camera unit 61, and the like can be protected. In addition, the entire apparatus can be kept in a thin and flat state, and has excellent storability and morphology (FIGS. 18 and 20).
Solid line, see). Although not described in the above description, the function disposition surface 59a and the function disposition surface 58a.
Have substantially the same shape and size, and are just overlapped in the stored posture.

To change the storage posture to the communication posture, the first device 58 is rotated by 120 ° in the direction of arrow Z1 in FIG. The call attitude is shown by a dotted line in FIG. In this talking posture, since the bent grip portion 35 is formed at the rear portion of the hinge portion 40, the handheld videophone device 1 can be firmly held with one hand. When the speaker unit 52 is close to the ear of the caller, the microphone unit 1
Since 6 can be located in front and can be brought close to the mouth of the caller, a good voice communication posture corresponding to voice can be obtained. Further, in this embodiment, the display unit 11 and the camera unit 61 are provided in the vicinity of the microphone unit 16, and further,
Since the camera unit 61 can be awakened, it is possible to take a voice / video call posture suitable for transmitting and receiving both voice and video.

Moreover, the display section 11 and the camera section 6
1 pulls out the first device 59, the first device 59
The display unit 11 and the like can be moved downward within the movable distance L. Therefore, the display unit 11 can be adjusted to a position that is easier to see. Furthermore, the shooting angle of the camera unit 61 can also be adjusted.

If the connecting plate 64 is curved in advance, the optical axis Y of the display unit 11 can be directed upward (in the drawing) as the first device body 53 is pulled out. The part 11 can be made easier to see.

Further, a camera unit whose optical axis coincides with the longitudinal direction may be adopted. In this case, the arrangement position of the camera unit itself is the same, but the connection structure with the first device 58 is changed. That is, a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is provided and is rotatably connected to the center of the camera unit 61.

21 to 23 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Will be explained.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the video call posture, FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the storage posture, and FIG. It should be noted that parts shown in FIGS. 1 to 20, parts similar to arrows, and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the main body is divided into a plurality of devices,
By connecting each device with a hinge part and changing the form, in addition to the communication posture in which the main body is held by one hand, the installation conversation posture in which the main body is installed on the table surface can be realized.

The handy videophone device 1 is composed of a thin and flat body 65, a camera section 3, a hood 67, an antenna section 21, and a battery 9 (not shown).

The main body 65 includes a thin and flat first device 68.
And a second device 70. The first device 68 includes a main board 17 and a communication device 18 (not shown).
Is built in. Display part 1 is on the upper part of the front
1, the speaker unit 52, and the operation unit 14 are provided.
Also, the power switch 33 and the earphone jack 7 are on the right side.
1 and a microphone jack 72 are provided.

The second device 70 is thin and flat, and is rotatably attached to the lower end of the first device 68 via a hinge portion 69. The rotatable range is 8 in the front (left side of the drawing).
The range is 120 ° behind 0 °. A transmission / reception key 12 and an end key 13 are arranged in the center of the front surface of the second device 70, and a microphone section 16 is provided below the transmission / reception key 12 and the end key 13. A removable battery 9 is attached to the back surface.

The hood 67 is rotatably attached to the upper front portion of the main body 65 via a hinge portion 66. The hood 6
7 has a size and a shape sufficient to cover the display unit 11 and the speaker unit 52 in a folded state and to shield the external light entering the display unit 11 in the opened state. There is. The hinge unit 66 has the same rotation axis as the hinge unit 32 of the camera unit 3, but the rotation operation can be performed independently.

The hood 67 has an arbitrary angular position within a range of up to 90 ° with respect to the first device 68.
It can be fixed to.

The camera section 3 is rotatably attached to the side surface of the main body 65 via the hinge section 32. In this embodiment, the camera unit 3 and the hood 67 are provided independently, but the camera unit 3 may be attached to the hood 67 to interlock them.

The antenna section 21 is attached to the upper surface of the back surface of the main body 65.

The battery 9 (not shown) is detachably attached to the lower portion of the back surface of the main body 65.

The form for each usage situation will be described.

The storage posture is shown in FIG. In this posture, the hood 67 is completely closed and the display section 11 and the speaker section 52 are covered. Also, the second device 70 is oriented the same as the first device 68. In this posture, the display unit 11 and the speaker unit 52 can be protected. Further, since the main body 65 can be formed into a thin, flat and vertically long shape, it is highly storable and portable. Even in this storage posture, if a separate earphone and microphone are connected to the earphone jack 71 and the microphone jack 72, only voice communication is possible.

Next, to shift from the storage posture to the video call posture, the second device 70 is rotated forward and the hood 67 is opened. In this video call posture, since the bent grip portion 35 is formed at the rear portion of the hinge portion 66, the handheld videophone device 1 can be firmly held with one hand. Also, the display unit 1
Since the hood 67 is located above 1, the visibility of the display unit 11 can be improved. In addition, you can use separate earphones and microphones for conversations that you do not want others to hear.

Furthermore, in the video call posture, the handy type video telephone device 1 can be made to stand by itself with the second device 70 as the leg portion. In this posture, the heavy battery 9 is on the lower back surface, while the camera portion 3 and the hood 67 are located in the front, so that the battery is stable. In this sense, the video call attitude can also be referred to as “installed call attitude”. If the second device 70 is rotated backward to the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 21, it is possible to obtain a more stable installed call attitude. In this case, use a separate earphone and microphone for the call. As described above, in this embodiment, various communication postures can be taken. In addition, in the other embodiments described above, if the second device 41, which is one of the leading devices, can bend the microphone to the rear side (via the hinge 40), the microphone can be set in the same installation posture. May be.

[0133]

According to the present invention, since the video and audio can be transmitted and received while holding the housing with one hand, the video and audio can be transmitted and received without disturbing the user's action. Also, in addition to the video communication posture that supports both the video and audio in which the housing is positioned in front of the user, voice communication that supports audio with the speaker and microphone parts close to the user's ear and mouth Since it is possible to take a posture, it is possible to take a call posture suitable for the content of the information to be called.
Further, in addition to the call attitude in which the housing is held with one hand, the installed phone attitude in which the housing is installed on the table surface can be adopted, so that various call attitudes can be adopted. In addition, in the call state, the operation unit and the display unit are exposed so that the entire length is set to the length that fits in the ear and the mouth. In the stored state, the operation unit and the display unit can be hidden while shortening the entire length. It has high storability and portability. Furthermore, since the speaker can be removed and used, it has high flexibility in use.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a voice communication posture according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing a voice communication posture according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a development view of an internal function unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic layout diagram of an internal function unit.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an ear pad portion.

FIG. 6 is a right side view showing the rotation operation of the camera unit.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a video communication posture.

FIG. 8 is a main three-view diagram showing a voice communication posture.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a video communication posture according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial front view and a side view showing an operating state of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a storage posture of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a video communication attitude of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a video communication posture according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a storage posture of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a holding mechanism and a hinge portion of the camera unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an angular position of a camera unit.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a voice communication posture according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a storage posture of the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a video communication posture of the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an operating state of the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a video communication posture according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a storage posture of the embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an operating state of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Handy-type video telephone device, 2 ... Main body, 3 ... Camera part, 4 ... Ear pad part, 5 ... Connection cord, 6 ... Speaker part, 9 ... Battery, 11 ... Display part, 14 ... Input part, 16 ... Microphone Section, 17 ... main board, 18 ... communication device, 19 ... cord reel section, 20 ... operation board, 35 ...
Grip part, 38 ... Main body, 39 ... First device, 39a ...
Functional arrangement surface, 40 ... Hinge portion, 41 ... Second device, 41
a ... Functional arrangement surface, 42 ... Hinge portion, 43 ... Third device,
43a ... Functional layout surface, 44 ... Speaker section, 46a, 46
b ... ear pad part, 49 ... first device, 50 ... second device, 51 ... hinge part, 52 ... speaker part, 58 ... first device, 59 ... second device, 60 ... hinge part, 61 ... camera section, 65 ... main body, 67 ... hood, 68 ... first device,
69 ... Hinge part, 70 ... Second device

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Kiyoshi Ishida 216 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Hitachi, Ltd. Information & Communication Division (72) Iwa Iwana, 216 Totsuka-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama Hitachi, Ltd. Information & Communication Division

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A signal processing means for performing communication by voice and / or image, a speaker unit for outputting voice, a microphone unit for inputting voice, and a display for outputting image. A videophone device including a camera unit for inputting an image and an operation unit for inputting an operation command to the signal processing means, wherein the display unit is the speaker unit. The videophone device is arranged between the microphone unit and the microphone unit. 2. The relative positional relationship between the speaker section and the microphone section is such that the microphone section is located close to the mouth when the speaker section is applied to a human ear. The videophone device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The videophone device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit, the speaker unit, and the microphone unit are arranged in the same housing. 4. The videophone device according to claim 3, wherein the speaker portion and the microphone portion are arranged on substantially the same surface of the housing. 5. The videophone device according to claim 3, further comprising camera holding means for holding the camera unit in a state in which an angular position with respect to the housing can be changed. 6. A signal processing means for performing communication by voice and / or image, a speaker unit for outputting voice, a microphone unit for inputting voice, and a display for outputting image. A videophone device including a camera section for inputting an image and an operation section for inputting an operation command to the signal processing means, wherein the speaker section is detachable. A videophone device having a speaker holding means for holding. 7. A signal processing means for performing communication by voice and / or image, a speaker unit for outputting voice, a microphone unit for inputting voice, and a display for outputting image. A videophone device including a camera unit for inputting an image and an operation unit for inputting an operation command to the signal processing unit, wherein a first housing storing the microphone unit is provided. And a second housing that stores the speaker unit, and a connecting unit that connects the first housing and the second housing to each other. 8. The videophone device according to claim 7, wherein the connection is capable of changing an angle between the first casing and the second casing. 9. The angle of the first casing can be changed in any of the front and rear directions with reference to the angle located in the same plane as the second casing. The videophone device according to claim 8. 10. The connecting means connects the position of the first housing in a slidable state in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connection. The videophone device described. 11. The videophone device according to claim 7, further comprising a camera unit holding means for holding the camera unit adjacent to the first casing. 12. The camera holding means holds the camera unit at a connecting portion between the first casing and the second casing, wherein the camera holding unit holds the camera unit. Videophone device. 13. When the angle formed by the first casing and the second casing at the connecting portion is θ, the camera holding means changes the direction of the optical axis of the camera portion,
13. The videophone device according to claim 12, further comprising an angle maintaining unit that is oriented in the direction of the angle θ / 2. 14. The first casing and the second casing are opposed to each other when the first casing and the second casing are overlapped with each other by changing the angle of the connection. The videophone device according to claim 8, wherein the surfaces have substantially the same shape and area. 15. A signal processing means for performing communication by voice and / or image, a speaker unit for outputting voice, a microphone unit for inputting voice, and a display for outputting image. A videophone device including a camera unit for inputting an image and an operation unit for inputting an operation command to the signal processing unit, wherein a first housing storing the microphone unit is provided. A second housing that stores the speaker unit, a third housing that stores the display unit, and a first housing that connects the first housing and the third housing. A videophone device comprising: a connecting means; and a second connecting means for connecting the second housing and the third housing. 16. The connecting means according to claim 15, wherein at least a second connecting means of the first connecting means and the second connecting means is capable of changing an angle of connection thereof. Videophone device. 17. The angle of the first casing in any of the front and rear directions at the connecting portion by the second connecting means with reference to an angle located in the same plane as the third casing. 17. The videophone device according to claim 16, wherein the videophone device can be changed. 18. The first casing and the third casing face each other when the first casing and the third casing are overlapped with each other by changing the connection angle. The videophone device according to claim 16, wherein the surfaces have substantially the same shape and area. 19. A hood for blocking external light incident on the display section, and hood locking means for locking the hood to the second casing. 16. The videophone according to claim 15, wherein the videophone is a videophone. 20. The videophone apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the hood locking means locks the hood in an openable / closable state. 21. The videophone device according to claim 20, wherein the hood has holes penetrating the front and back surfaces thereof. 22. The videophone device according to claim 15, further comprising camera holding means for holding the camera unit adjacent to the second housing.